Berlin guide: how to get there, what to see

Flights to Berlin: practical information

Cheap airlines to Berlin

Lufthansa, British Airways and BMI offer countless flights to Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL)from London and across the UK. EasyJet flies three times daily from London Gatwick and twice daily from Luton. Air Berlin and Ryanair also offer low cost flight connections.

When to book flights to Berlin

There's no bad time to visit Berlin and summer is without a doubt a great time. The city heats up though, which is why fall is the best months to visit while the weather is still warm but the tourist crowds are much smaller.

Peak season: From May to September, major holidays, Green Week in January and the Love Parade in July.

Low season: March to May and October to November.

Flight duration

Direct flights from London to Berlin take 1h 50min.

Experience Berlin: what to do, what to see

It is safe to say that Berlin has it all. It is easy to get around the city’s neighbourhoods on trams and bicycles. Most visitors start off in Mitte, the city centre, from here the major must-sees are all within walking distance unless you want to get out of the city proper, then a Berlin car hire definitely comes handy.

Essentials in Berlin

Reichstag: Built in 1894, the German parliament is what really anchors this part of the city down. A glass dome was later added and the queue to ride the lift up to the top is worth the wait. Avoid wasting hours in line by coming early morning or in the evening.

East Side Gallery: The last remaining part of the Berlin Wall, this 1.3km long section is covered in hundreds of paintings, graffiti and political statements. It's the biggest outdoor gallery in the world.

Beergartens: Prater Garten is the oldest and largest beer garden in Berlin. It was founded in 1837 and is the best place to slug at a Pilsner under a chestnut tree while on holidays in Berlin in summer.

Brandenburg Gate: During the Cold War, the gate symbolised the division of the city. Today it's a symbol for the reunification of Germany.

Accommodations in Berlin

Berlin isn't the budget destination it was even 5 or 10 years ago. Mid-range hotels in Berlin are pricier than ever but you can still find a good deal outside of Mitte. The best value are pensions in western neighbourhoods like Charlottenburg, Schöneberg and Wilmersdorf.